Relief Fund Golf Day drives hope for farmers battling foot and mouth disease
Farmers Weekly and partners bring the agricultural community together for a meaningful day to raise funds and fight one of South Africa’s most serious livestock diseases.
Farmers and others in the agriculture industry came together at Randpark Golf Club for a golf day that had a meaningful goal.
Farmers Weekly, FarmTalk, and other partners organised the event to raise money and awareness about Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a major challenge for farmers in South Africa.
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Although the day was filled with smiles and friendly competition, everyone understood why they were there.
FMD is a dangerous disease affecting livestock like cattle, sheep, and pigs, and spreads quickly. The disease can cause big losses for farmers, including the closure of export markets and loss of income.
As teams moved from one hole to the next, people talked about their experiences and shared ideas on how to better control the disease. Some discussed ways to improve farm safety, while others spoke about the importance of quick action when outbreaks occur.
The money raised from the Relief Fund Golf Day will go towards helping farmers impacted by the disease. Agri Relief Foundation, a non-profit organisation for South African farmers, will distribute the funds.
Nicole Swart of the NPO explained that as a non-profit, they raise funds for farmers in need and are now focusing on the foot and mouth disease.
“Farmers Weekly are going to take all of the funds they raised today for the farmers, and give it to the foundation and make sure that it gets sent out to the right farmers that need the money urgently.
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With FMD, the cattle farmers are struggling,” said Swart. By the end of the day, it was clear that the event was not just about golf; it was about working together to protect farms and animals
. Everyone was feeling hopeful, knowing that even small efforts like a day on the golf course can make a big difference.
Derrick Coetzee from New Holland, a company that sells machinery to farmers, said if the farmers struggle, it affects their business.
“So, where we can make a difference to support them, we are definitely there from a New Holland standpoint and try to support the guys.”
The day ended with a gala dinner and an online auction.
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